Levy's High Five, October 29 - November 4

1) “The Social Network” A superb film about the path from social dysfunction, of a sort, to mass adulation, of a sort. A Harvard student (Jesse Eisenberg, utterly superb) with no capacity for friendship stumbles upon an idea that yields the most fertile and widespread social medium ever invented. Director David Fincher, working from a sharp and engaging script by Aaron Sorkin, reins in his most florid impulses without sacrificing a whit of his exquisite craft, and the result is a thoroughly enveloping thriller, a gimlet-eyed commentary on social striving, and a vivid portrait of a modern world in which our fragmentation makes us yearn to connect, even if only through pixels. (multiple locations) 2) “The Tillman Story” Amir Bar-Lev’s documentary about Pat Tillman, who famously gave up an NFL career to serve -- and die -- as an Army Ranger in Afghanistan, absorbs, informs, infuriates, and, chiefly, saddens. The fratricidal death of the charismatic Tillman was covered in lies by military and political authorities, and only the fortitude and persistence of his family in rooting out what happened got us past the myths and toward some of the truth. Tillman was a complex and even conflicted character who becomes more compelling and tragic the more you learn about him. This powerful film drives home some painful realities about who he was, how he died, and why, as a nation, we failed to live up to his sacrifice. (Broadway Metroplex) 3) “Let Me In” It would be easy to denigrate this American remake of 2008’s Swedish sensation “Let the Right One In,” but director Matt Reeves (“Cloverfield”) and his cast and crew have made an altogether classy film, rich in atmosphere, well-honed craft and wise, subtle choices. As a result, the story of a lonely, bullied boy befriended by a mysterious girl (who turns out to be a vampire) plays chillingly and well, if not surprisingly to those who saw the first. The performances by Kodi Smits-McPhee and Chloe Moretz (the boy and the bloodsucker, respectively), are strong, and the unique atmosphere, pace and sense of quirk and wonder of the original are retained, or rather (and maybe even more impressive) recreated. (Hollywood Theatre, Lloyd Mall)

4) “Psycho” Alfred Hitchcock’s shocking 1960 slasher masterpiece is perfect Halloween fare, and so it’s appearing in more than one place. Living Room Theaters is showing it in one of its comfy auditoriums, but the must-see screening will be on Sunday at 4 pm at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, where the Oregon Symphony will perform selections from Bernard Herrmann’s brilliant score in live accompaniment to the film. This is an entire orchestra we’re talking about, and a huge screen, and a big room filled, one hopes, with people looking for a jolt of proper terror before hitting the trick-or-treat trail. Tickets aren’t (and, frankly, oughtn’t be) cheap, but this is an exceedingly rare opportunity and a brilliant bit of programming. (visit www.orsymphony.org for details).

5) CHEAPIE OF THE WEEK (Good values for tough times) “Winter’s Bone” A gripping drama about an Ozark Mountains teen trying to keep a hold on her family home in the wake of her father’s disappearance. The young actress (and sure-thing Oscar nominee) Jennifer Lawrence is remarkably tough, smart and bold in the lead, and John Hawkes is terrifying as the crank-addicted uncle to whom she is forced to turn for help. Director/co-writer Debra Granik (“Down to the Bone”) pares the thing to essentials while leaving room for poetry and the vagaries of an often non-professional acting corps. The film braves an environment and a story that are minefields of cliché and never puts a foot wrong. The result is an engaging tale, a fascinating heroine, and a truly memorable film. (Academy, Laurelhurst)